Metal-conjugated microporous polymers

ABSTRACT

A catalyst which can catalyze ring-addition reaction of CO 2  and an alkylene oxide at 0˜180° C. under 0.1˜8.0 MPa to produce a corresponding cyclic carbonate, and the preparation thereof. The catalyst is a conjugated microporous macromolecule polymer complexed with cobalt, chromium, zinc, copper or aluminium, and by using the macromolecule catalyst complexed with different metals to catalyze the reaction of CO 2  and alkylene oxide at normal temperature and normal pressure, a yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate of 35%˜90% can be obtained. The catalyst is easy to recover and the re-use of the catalyst has no influence on the yield; additionally, the yield can reach over 90% by controlling the reaction conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/114,663 which is a U.S. national stage application of international patent application No. PCT/CN2012/082948, filed on Oct. 15, 2012, which claimed priority from China Patent Application Nos. 20110427079.2 filed on Dec. 19, 2011, 201210135309.2 filed on May 3, 2012, and 20120272056.3 filed on Aug. 1, 2012, the content of which are incorporated here by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

In this invention, a series of new metals including Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, and Al coordinated conjugated microporous polymer catalysts were designed, synthesized, and used to catalyze the reaction of the epoxides and CO₂ to produce corresponding cyclic carbonates at mild conditions. Meanwhile, the catalysts can be recycled easily and reused for several times without reducing the yields, which obviously increases the utilization of catalysts.

Description of the Related Art

Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases, but it is safe, nontoxic, inexpensive, and abundant. Since the industrial revolution, the carbon dioxide level in the atmospheric layer was rising year by year, enhancing the greenhouse effect, which leads to the globe warming and the frequent occurrence of the disastrous weather. Therefore, how to dispose and use CO₂ has attracted the attention of the whole world. Recently, through the efforts of scientists around the world, it is the main strategy to conceive efficient carbon capture or conversion via chemical technologies. One of the most promising reactions in this area is the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ and epoxides to cyclic carbonates (CCs). However, numerous reported catalyst systems suffered from harsh operation conditions, and their catalytic activities were limited by the requirement of high pressure and temperature, together with separation difficulties, which lead to the low efficiency to utilize them. Thus, development of new effective catalytic systems for catalytic conversion with CO₂ under mild conditions is desired, especially in real world applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the desire of the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide under mild conditions, we designed and synthesized the cobalt, chromium, zinc, copper or aluminum-conjugated microporous polymer catalysts (CMP-1, CMP-2, CMP-3, CMP-4 and CMP-5, respectively) based on the previous research. The chemical conversion of CO₂ with epoxides to form corresponding cyclic carbonates using the CMP-1˜5 catalyst system not only can obtain ideal effect at mild condition, but also can speed the production of cyclic carbonate at high temperature and pressure.

Synthesis methods for the cobalt, chromium, zinc, copper or aluminum-conjugated microporous polymer catalysts:

1. Synthesis of Salen:

With Monohydric alcohol (methanol or ethanol) as a solvent, a mixture solution of R₁-substituted salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (mole ratio=1:1˜30) was stirred for 3˜15 hours at 0˜150° C. to afford the Salen compounds.

2. Synthesis of Salen-Co—X (Salen-Cr—Cl, Salen-Zn, Salen-Cu):

1) Synthesis of Salen-Co—X:

Synthesis of Salen-Co: To a solution of the Salen in toluene under argon was added a solution of Co(OAc)₂ in CH₃OH via a syringe, affording a dark red reaction mixture. It was heated to 80˜100° C., stirred and refluxed for 4˜5 hours. Then the reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature and concentrated, and the afforded residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and filtered through celite. Removing solvent of the filtrate afforded a dark red powder Salen-Co;

Synthesis of Salen-Co—X: To a solution of the Salen-Co in toluene and CH₂Cl₂ (volume ratio of toluene and CH₂Cl₂=1:3) was added CH₃COOH (HCl or HBr or HI) under argon via a syringe. The solution quickly changed from red to brown. After stirring at 25° C. for 4˜5 hours, all solvents and excess acid were removed at reduced pressure, affording brown powder Salen-Co—X.

2) Synthesis of Salen-Cr—Cl:

THF was added to a mixture of Salen and CrCl₂ via a syringe under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 24 hours. The reaction mixture then was stirred under air at ambient temperature for an additional 24 hours. After the reaction mixture was poured into diethyl ether, the organic layer was washed with aqueous saturated NH₄Cl and brine in turn. After filtration, the organic layer was collected yielding a brown powder Salen-Cr—Cl.

3) Synthesis of Salen-Zn:

THF was added to a mixture of Salen and Et₂Zn via a syringe under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 24 hours. The crude product was isolated from the concentrated reaction mixture by removal of the solvent under reduced pressure. A pure product Salen-Zn was obtained after recrystallization using THF and water.

4) Synthesis of Salen-Cu:

Anhydrous ethanol was added to a mixture of Salen and Cu(OAc)₂ under argon via a syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 24 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, yielding a dark green powder Salen-Cu.

3. Synthesis of CMP

1) Synthesis of CMP-1:

A mixture of toluene and triethylamine (volume ratio of toluene and triethylamine=3:1) was added to a mixture of salen-Co—X, alkynyl benzene A (mole ratio of Salen-Co—X and alkynyl benzene A=1:2˜3), copper (I) iodide and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) under argon via a syringe. The reaction mixture was heated to 40° C. and stirred for 40 min-1 hour. Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80˜100° C. and refluxed for 72˜96 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the insoluble precipitated polymer was filtered and washed with dichloromethane, methanol, water, and acetone in turn. Further purification of the polymer was carried out by Soxhlet extraction with methanol and dichloromethane (volume ratio=1:1) for 24˜36 hours. The product CMP-1 was dried in vacuum for 24 hours at 70° C.

2) Synthesis of CMP-2:

A mixture of toluene and triethylamine (volume ratio of toluene and triethylamine=3:1) was added to a mixture of salen-Cr—Cl, alkynyl benzene A (mole ratio of Salen-Cr—Cl and alkynyl benzene A=1:2˜3), copper (I) iodide and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) via a syringe under argon. The reaction mixture was heated to 40° C. and stirred for 40 min˜1 hour. Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80˜100° C. and refluxed for 72˜96 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the insoluble precipitated polymer was filtered and washed with dichloromethane, methanol, water, and acetone in ruen. Further purification of the polymer was carried out by Soxhlet extraction with methanol and dichloromethane (volume ratio=1:1) for 24˜36 hours. The product CMP-2 was dried in vacuum for 24 hours at 70° C.

3) Synthesis of CMP-3:

A mixture of toluene and triethylamine (volume ratio of toluene and triethylamine=3:1) was added to a mixture of salen-Zn, alkynyl benzene A (mole ratio of Salen-Zn and alkynyl benzene A=1:1˜3), copper (I) iodide and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) via a syringe under argon. The reaction mixture was heated to 40° C. and stirred for 40 min˜1 hour. Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80˜100° C. and refluxed for 72˜96 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the insoluble precipitated polymer was filtered and washed with dichloromethane, methanol, water, and acetone, in turn. Further purification of the polymer was carried out by Soxhlet extraction with methanol and dichloromethane (volume ratio=1:1) for 24˜36 hours. The product CMP-3 was dried in vacuum for 24 hours at 70° C.

4) Synthesis of CMP-4:

A mixture of toluene and triethylamine (volume ratio of toluene and triethylamine=3:1) was added to a mixture of salen-Cu, alkynyl benzene A (mole ratio of Salen-Cu and alkynyl benzene A=1:1˜3), copper (I) iodide and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) via a syringe under argon. The reaction mixture was heated to 40° C. and stirred for 40 min˜1 hour under an argon atmosphere. Then, the reaction mixture was heated to 80˜100° C. and refluxed for 72˜96 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the insoluble precipitated polymer was filtered and washed with dichloromethane, methanol, water, and acetone in turn. Further purification of the polymer was carried out by Soxhlet extraction with methanol and dichloromethane (volume ratio=1:1) for 24˜36 hours. The product CMP-4 was dried in vacuum for 24 hours at 70° C.

4. Synthesis of CMP-5: The coordination reaction of the polymer with aluminum was carried out after the polymer was obtained.

1) Synthesis of Salen:

With monohydric alcohol (methanol or ethanol) as a solvent, a mixture solution of R₁-substituted salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (mole ratio=1:1˜30) was stirred for 1˜15 hours at 0˜150° C. to afford the Salen compounds;

2) Synthesis of conjugated microporous polymer (CMP):

With tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and copper(I) iodide as catalysts, salen and 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene were mixed with a mole ratio of 1:1˜5. The reaction mixture was heated to 20˜150° C. and stirred for 60˜90 hours, yielding the polymer. The mole ratio of the tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene was 1:12˜50, whereas the mole ratio of copper(I) iodide and 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene was 1:10˜40.

3) Synthesis of aluminum coordination catalyst (CMP-5):

The aluminum compound was mixed with the CMP obtained got by the procedure above with a quality ratio of 1:1˜6. Then the mixture reacted at 90˜130° C. for 8˜15 hours, yielding the target CMP-5.

4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

Before sufficient CO₂ was introduced, the amine compounds were added to a mixture of the CMP-Al and epoxides in which the mole ratio of the CMP-Al and epoxides was 1:1˜25, while the mole ratio of the amine compounds and the epoxides was 1:5˜1000. Then the reaction was stirred for 1˜80 hours at 0˜160° C., affording the cyclic carbonates. The amine compounds mentioned above are quaternary ammonium salts, triethylamine or 4-dimethylamino pyridine.

The structures of the conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) catalysts:

wherein, R₁=—H, -^(t)Bu, -^(i)Bu, —NO₂, —Cl, —CH₂NEt₂, —CH₂N(Bn)Et₂Br, —CH₂N(CH₃)₂CH₂Ph,

X=—OAc or —Cl or —Br or —I or -Et or —OMe or —OEt or —OCH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH)₂Cl. Degree of polymerization for synthesized conjugated polymer compound is in the range of 30˜100. These stereochemical structures of the polymer catalysts are consisting of three-dimensional crosslinking networks. The chemical conversion of CO₂ with terminal epoxides to form corresponding cyclic carbonates under the CMP-1˜5 polymer catalyst system above was achieved in excellent yields (35˜90%) of corresponding cyclic carbonate at mild conditions. And the catalyst could be reused without reducing the yields. Simultaneously, holding the reaction condition in the range of 50˜180° C. for the reaction temperature and 2˜8 MPa for the pressure of CO₂, the yields can be up to 90% above while the reaction time only takes 1˜3 hours (excluding the CMP-4).

To prepare CMP-1˜5, the dibromo-functionalized precursor monomers Salen-Co, Salen-Cr—Cl, Salen-Zn, Salen-Cu were first synthesized by complexation reaction of metal salt [Co(OAc)₂, CrCl₂, Et₂Zn, Cu(OAc)₂] and Salen. The resulted precursors were polymerized with alkynyl benzene (A) to produce corresponding conjugated microporous polymers (excluding the CMP-5). The polymers generated by the procedure can adsorb CO₂ molecules, increasing the solubility of CO₂ in solvent, which leads to the improvement of the reaction yields with recycling ability. Simultaneously, the catalysts can obviously shorten the reaction time for catalyzing the reaction of CO₂ and epoxides at high temperatures and high pressures.

Synthetic routes for the polymers (CMP-1,CMP-2,CMP-3,CMP-4):

Synthetic routes for CMP-5:

The coupling of epoxides and CO₂ by polymer catalyst (CMP):

CMP: CMP-1, CMP-2, CMP-3, CMP-4 or CMP-5; Co-catalyst: quaternary ammonium salts (Tetrabutyl ammonium bromide and tetrabutyl ammonium chloride and tetrabutyl ammonium acetate), TEA, DMAP; R₂=-Me, —C₂H₅, -Ph, —CH₂Ph, -Bu or —C₈H₁₇. The amount of substance ratio for epoxides, CMP and Co-catalyst is about 200˜2000:1:1.

In this invention, a series of new metal-conjugated microporous polymer catalysts were synthesized and used to catalyze the reaction of epoxides and CO₂ to produce corresponding cyclic carbonates at ambient pressures and temperatures. The procedure is a breakthrough for overcoming the limitation of this reaction which can only occur at high pressure of CO₂ and temperature catalyzed by other catalysts. The yields of cyclic carbonates were in the range of 30˜90% at ambient pressures and temperatures. Remarkably, the polymer catalyst can be reused for many times without reducing the yields. Besides, elevating the pressure and the temperature can shorten the reaction time to 1˜6 hours, with the yields above 90%.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Description of the figures is provided below:

FIG. 1: ¹H NMR of the Salen [N,N-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-bromo-salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane as an example] (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 2: ¹H NMR of the 4-Methyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 3: ¹³C NMR of the 4-Methyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 4: ¹H NMR of the 4-Choloro-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (measured under CDCl₃, 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 5: ¹³C NMR of the 4-Choloro-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 6: ¹H NMR of the 4-Ethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 7: ¹³C NMR of the 4-Ethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 8: ¹H NMR of the 4-Butyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 9: ¹³C NMR of the 4-Butyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 10. ¹H NMR of the 4-Phenyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 11: ¹³C NMR of the 4-Phenyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-one (CDCl₃, measured under 400 MHz NMR equipment);

FIG. 12: The FT-IR spectra of CMP-1-1;

FIG. 13: The FT-IR spectra of CMP-1-2;

FIG. 14: The FT-IR spectra of CMP-2-1;

FIG. 15: The FT-IR spectra of CMP-3-1;

FIG. 16: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-5-1;

FIG. 17: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-1-1;

FIG. 18: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-1-2;

FIG. 19: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-2-1;

FIG. 20: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-3-1;

FIG. 21: Solid-state NMR spectra for the CMP-4-1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims.

The technological invention embodiment is not limited in the specific examples below, including the any combination of these detailed implementation programs.

EXAMPLE 1

1. Synthesis of Salen-Co: A solution of Co(OAc)₂ (1 mmol) in CH₃OH (10 ml) was added to a solution of the Salen (0.75 mmol) in 10 mL anhydrous toluene (10 ml) via a syringe. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hours at 80° C., yielding the target Salen-Co;

2. Synthesis of Salen-Co—OAc: The acetic acid (6.5 mmol) was added to a solution of the Salen-Co (0.65 mmol) in toluene (6 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (18 ml) via a syringe under argon. The mixture was stirred for 5 hours at 25° C., yielding the target Salen-Co—OAc, and its NMR spectrum was shown in FIG. 2.

3. Synthesis of CMP-1-1: Salen-Co—OAc (0.45 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.35 mmol), copper(I) iodide (40 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg) were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine (5 ml). Then the reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours. After post-processing, CMP-1-1 was obtained. The FT-IR spectra and the Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-1-1 were shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 17, respectively.

4. Catalyzing for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours at ambient pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 87.5%;

2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 6 hours at 45° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 94.5%. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR for the propylene carbonate were shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

EXAMPLE 2

1. Synthesis of Salen-Co: A solution of Co(OAc)₂ (1 mmol) in CH₃OH (10 ml) was added to a solution of the Salen (0.6 mmol) anhydrous toluene (10 ml) via a syringe. Then the reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hours at 80° C., yielding the target Salen-Co;

2. Synthesis of Salen-Co—OAc: The acetic acid (5 mmol) was added to a solution of the Salen-Co (0.5 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (15 ml) via a syringe under argon. Then the mixture was stirred for 5 hours at 25° C., yielding the target Salen-Co—OAc, and the NMR spectrum was shown in FIG. 2.

3. Synthesis of CMP-1-1: Salen-Co—OAc (0.6 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (2.4 mmol), copper(I) iodide (60 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (100 mg) were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (16 ml) and triethylamine (6 ml). Then the reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours. After post-processing, CMP-1-1 was obtained. The FT-IR spectra and the Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-1-1 were shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 17, respectively.

4. Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 400 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours at ambient pressure and         temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 80.5%;     -   2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 4 hours at         60° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 98.5%. The         ¹H and ¹³C NMR for the propylene carbonate were shown in FIG. 3         and FIG. 4;     -   3) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 200 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at the ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 56.5%;     -   4) With 5.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 12 hours at         30° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 94.0%. The         ¹H and ¹³C NMR for the propylene carbonate were shown in FIG. 3         and FIG. 4.

EXAMPLE 3

1. Synthesis of Salen-Co: A solution of Co(OAc)₂ (1 mmol) in CH₃OH (8 ml) was added to a solution of the Salen (0.5 mmol) in 8 mL anhydrous toluene (10 ml) via a syringe. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hours at 80° C., yielding the target Salen-Co;

2. Synthesis of Salen-Co—OAc: The acetic acid (9 mmol) was added to a solution of Salen-Co (0.65 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (15 ml) via a syringe under argon. The mixture was stirred for 6 hours at 25° C., yielding the target Salen-Co—OAc, and the NMR spectrum was shown in FIG. 2.

3. Synthesis of CMP-1-1: Salen-Co—OAc (0.6 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (2.0 mmol), copper(I) iodide (50 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (100 mg) were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (16 ml) and triethylamine (5 ml). Then the reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours. After post-processing, CMP-1-1 was obtained. The FT-IR spectra and the Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-1-1 were shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 17 respectively.

4. Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 400 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene     oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient pressure and     temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 96.5%; -   2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 600 mg     TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 3 hours at 70° C.,     and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 97%; -   3) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 200 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene     oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at the ambient pressure and     temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 66.5%; -   4) With 5.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 600 mg     TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 12 hours at 30° C.,     and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 94.0%; -   5) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene     oxide was stirred for 60 hours in CO₂ at ambient pressure and     temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 91.5%; -   6) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene     oxide was stirred for 36 hours in CO₂ at ambient pressure and     temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 76.5%.

EXAMPLE 4

1. Synthesis of Salen-Co: A solution of Co(OAc)₂ (1 mmol) in CH₃OH (10 ml) was added to a solution of the Salen (0.6 mmol) in 10 ml anhydrous toluene via a syringe. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hours at 80° C., yielding the target Salen-Co.

2. Synthesis of Salen-Co—OAc: The acetic acid (5 mmol) was added to a solution of the Salen-Co (0.5 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) and CH₂Cl₂ (15 ml) via a syringe under argon. The mixture was stirred for 5 hours at 25° C., yielding the target Salen-Co—OAc, and the NMR spectrum was shown in FIG. 2.

3. Synthesis of CMP-1-2: Salen-Co—OAc (0.6 mmol), 1,4-diacetylenebenzene (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide (50 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (90 mg) were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (16 ml) and triethylamine (6 ml). Then the reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours. After post-processing, CMP-1-2 was obtained. The FT-IR spectra and the Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-1-2 were shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 18, respectively.

4. Catalyzing for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-2, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 66.5%;     -   2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-2, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         90° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 85.9%;     -   3) With 100 mg CMP-1-2, 600 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide         in the mixture, the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 hours in         CO₂ at ambient pressure and temperature, and the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 52.5%;     -   4) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-2, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         110° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 91.1%;     -   5) With 4.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-1-2, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 1 hour at         120° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 64.2%. The         ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrums for the propylene carbonate were shown         in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

EXAMPLE 5

1. Synthesis of Salen-Cr—Cl: The chromium (II) chloride (0.8 mmol) and Salen (N′N′-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-bromo-salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (0.6 mmol) were dissolved in dried THF (12 mL). The mixture was stirred under argon at 25 oC for 24 hours and for another 24 hours in the air. After that the compound Salen-Cr—Cl was obtained.

2. Synthesis of CMP-2:

-   -   1) Synthesis of CMP-2-1: Salen-Cr—Cl (0.4 mmol),         1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide (40 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg) were dissolved         in a mixture of toluene (12 ml) and triethylamine (4 ml). The         reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 72 hours, yielding         the needed compound CMP-2-1. The FT-IR spectra and the         Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-2-1 were shown in FIG. 14 and         FIG. 19, respectively;     -   2) Synthesis of CMP-2-2: Salen-Cr—Cl (0.45 mmol),         1,4-diethynylbenzene (1.35 mmol), copper(I) iodide (30 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (60 mg) were dissolved         in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine (5 ml). The         reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 72 hours, yielding         the needed compound CMP-2-2;     -   3) Synthesis of CMP-2-3: Salen-Cr—Cl (0.4 mmol),         tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide         (40 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg)         were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine         (5 ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72         hours, yielding the needed compound CMP-2-3.

3. Catalyzing for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 500 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 67.7%;     -   2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 1 hour at         100° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 98.5%. The         NMR spectrums for the product were shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3;     -   3) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.96 ml epichlorohydrin was stirred for 1 hour at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         99.1%. The NMR spectrums for the product were shown in FIG. 4         and FIG. 5;     -   4) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 600         mg TBAB and 2.146 ml 1,2-epoxybutane was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         96.0%. The NMR spectrums for the product were shown in FIG. 6         and FIG. 7;     -   5) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 600         mg TBAB and 3.01 ml 1,2-epoxyhexane was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         96.7%. The NMR spectrums for the product were shown in FIG. 8         and FIG. 9;     -   6) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-1, 600         mg TBAB and 2.85 ml styrene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         96.3%. The NMR spectrums for the product were shown in FIG. 10         and FIG. 11;     -   7) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-2-2, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         86.5%.

EXAMPLE 6

1. Synthesis of Salen-Zn: The Et₂Zn (0.4 ml, 1.0 M in hexane) and Salen (N′N′-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-bromo-salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (0.4 mmol) and were dissolved in dried THF (20 ml). The mixture was stirred under argon at 25° C. for 24 hours. After that the compound Salen-Zn was obtained.

2. Synthesis of CMP-3:

-   -   1) Synthesis of CMP-3-1: Salen-Zn (0.35 mmol),         1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.05 mmol), copper(I) iodide (40 mg)         and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (70 mg) were         dissolved in a mixture of toluene (12 ml) and triethylamine (4         ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours,         yielding the needed compound CMP-3-1. The FT-IR spectra and the         Solid-state NMR spectra of the CMP-3-1 were shown in FIG. 15 and         FIG. 20, respectively.     -   2) Synthesis of CMP-3-2: Salen-Zn (0.4 mmol),         1,4-diethynylbenzene (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide (35 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (70 mg) were dissolved         in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine (5 ml). The         reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72 hours, yielding         the needed compound CMP-3-2.     -   3) Synthesis of CMP-3-3: Salen-Zn (0.4 mmol),         tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide         (40 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg)         were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (12 ml) and triethylamine         (4 ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72         hours, yielding the needed compound CMP-3-3.

3. Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1, 500 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient pressure         and temperature, and the yield of the propylene carbonate is         85.1%;     -   2) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 95.2%;     -   3) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.96 ml epichlorohydrin was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         99.6%;     -   4) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1,         600mg TBAB and 2.146 ml 1,2-epoxybutane was stirred for 2 hours         at 100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate         is 96.5%;     -   5) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1, 600         mg TBAB and 3.01 ml 1,2-epoxyhexane was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         98.3%;     -   6) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-1, 600         mg TBAB and 2.85 ml styrene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         96.6%;     -   7) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-3-2, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 1 hour at         100° C., and the yield of the corresponding cyclic carbonate is         88.7%.

EXAMPLE 7

1. Synthesis of Salen-Cu: The Cu(OAc)₂ (0.5 mmol) and Salen (N′N′-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-bromo-salicylidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 0.5 mmol) and were dissolved in dried ethanol (20 mL). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 24 hours. After that the compound Salen-Cu was obtained.

2. Synthesis of CMP-4:

-   -   1) Synthesis of CMP-4-1: Salen-Cu (0.46 mmol),         1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.32 mmol), copper(I) iodide (40 mg)         and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg) were         dissolved in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine (5         ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 72 hours,         yielding the needed compound CMP-4-1. The Solid-state NMR         spectra of the CMP-4-1 were shown in FIG. 21.     -   2) Synthesis of CMP-4-2: Salen-Cu (0.4 mmol),         1,4-diethynylbenzene (1.2 mmol), copper(I) iodide (40 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (70 mg) were dissolved         in a mixture of toluene (12 ml) and triethylamine (4 ml). The         reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 72 hours, yielding         the needed compound CMP-4-2.     -   3) Synthesis of CMP-4-3: Salen-Cu (0.45 mmol),         tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane (1.35 mmol), copper(I) iodide         (40 mg) and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (80 mg)         were dissolved in a mixture of toluene (15 ml) and triethylamine         (5 ml). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 85° C. for 72         hours, yielding the needed compound CMP-4-3.

3. Catalyzing for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-4-1, 400 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 72 hours in CO₂ at ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 58.5%;     -   2) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-4-1, 500 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 51.3%;     -   3) A mixture of 100 mg CMP-4-1, 200 mg TBAB and 1.75 ml         propylene oxide was stirred for 48 hours in CO₂ at ambient         pressure and temperature, and the yield of the propylene         carbonate is 42.7%;     -   4) With 3.0 MPa CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 100 mg CMP-4-1, 600         mg TBAB and 1.75 ml propylene oxide was stirred for 2 hours at         100° C., and the yield of the propylene carbonate is 52.7%.

EXAMPLE 8

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with methanol as solvent, a mixture of         salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol)         was stirred at 40° C. for 5 hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and AlEt₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-5-1.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 30%.

EXAMPLE 9

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with methanol as solvent, a mixture of         salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol)         was stirred at 40° C. for 5 hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and AlCl₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-Al.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 5 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 39.8%.

EXAMPLE 10

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with propanol as solvent, a mixture of         ^(t)Bu-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 50° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and AlBr₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-Al.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 10 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 52.1%.

EXAMPLE 11

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with methanol as solvent, a mixture of         Cl-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 25° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and AlEt₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 140° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         CMP-5-1;     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 20 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 63.4%.

EXAMPLE 12

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with methanol as solvent, a mixture of         Cl-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 25° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and AlCl₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-5-1;     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 10° C. for 6 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 40.3%.

EXAMPLE 13

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with methanol as solvent, a mixture of         NO₂-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 50° C. for 10         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (100 mg) and AlEt₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         CMP-5-1;     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 5 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 53.5%.

EXAMPLE 14

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with i-propanol as solvent, a mixture of         ^(i)Bu-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 70° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (100 mg) and AlBr₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-5-1.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         10 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 15° C. for 20 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 83.7%.

EXAMPLE 15

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with i-propanol as solvent, a mixture of         ^(i)Bu-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 70° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and Al(OEt)₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         CMP-5-1.     -   4) Catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         30 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:10) was stirred at 0° C. for 5 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 68.2%.

EXAMPLE 16

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with hexanol as solvent, a mixture of         CH₂N(CH₃)₂CH₂Ph-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 80° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and Al(OMe)₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 90° C. for 8 hours, yielding the target catalyst         compound CMP-Al.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         30 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5) was stirred at 0° C. for 13 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 89.6%.

EXAMPLE 17

Synthesis of CMP-5-1 and its catalyzation for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:

-   -   1) Synthesis of Salen: with butanol as solvent, a mixture of         CH₂N(Bn)Et₂Br-substituted salicylaldehyde (6.0 mmol) and         1,2-diaminocyclohexane (7.0 mmol) was stirred at 25° C. for 5         hours, yielding the Salen compound;     -   2) A mixture of salen (3.0 mmol), 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene (1.0         mmol), copper(I) iodide (10 mg) and         tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (10 mg) was stirred at         30° C. for 60 hours, yielding the target polymer CMP;     -   3) A mixture of CMP (20 mg) and Al(OMe)₃ (20 mg) was stirred and         refluxed at 100° C. for 10 hours, yielding the target catalyst         CMP-5-1.     -   4) Catalyzing the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides:     -   With sufficient CO₂ introduced, a mixture of 10 mg CMP-5-1 and         30 mg propylene oxide (mole ratio of ammonium salt and propylene         oxide=1:5), was stirred at 0° C. for 20 hours, the yield of the         propylene carbonate is 93.5%.

Using the polymers as catalysts to catalyze the coupling reaction of CO2 and epoxides, the yields of the cyclic carbonates were in the range of 35˜90%. The catalysts can be reused for several times without reducing the yields which can reach to 90% above at high pressure (2˜8 MPa) and the temperature of 50˜120 oC for 1˜3 hours. The procedure is a breakthrough for overcoming the limitation of this reaction which can only occur at high pressure and temperature catalyzed by other catalysts. Meanwhile the reuse of the catalysts can figure out the troubles caused by the low efficiency of the other catalysts. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A metal-conjugated microporous polymer having one of the following structures:

wherein, R₁=—H, -^(t)Bu, -^(i)Bu, —NO₂, —Cl, —CH₂NEt₂, —CH₂N(Bn)Et₂Br, —CH₂N(CH₃)₂CH₂Ph,

X=—OAc or —Cl or —Br or —I or -Et or —OMe or —OEt or —OCH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH)₂Cl, n represents degree of polymerization of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer and is in the range of 30˜100.
 2. The metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1 having a chemical structure of CMP-2-1, CMP-2-2, or CMP-2-3 as shown in claim
 1. 3. The metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1 having a chemical structure of CMP-2-1, CMP-3-1, CMP-4-1, or CMP-5-1 as shown in claim
 1. 4. The metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1 having a chemical structure of CMP-1-2 or CMP-1-3 as shown in claim
 1. 5. A method for preparing the metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1 wherein the metal-conjugated microporous polymer has a chemical structure of CMP-1-2, CMP-1-3, CMP-2-1, CMP-2-2, CMP-2-3, CMP-3-1, CMP-32, CMP-3-3, CMP-4-1, CMP-4-2, or CMP-4-3 as shown in claim 1, and the method comprises: synthesis of Salen: stirring a mixture solution of R₁-substituted salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane with a mole ratio of 1:1˜30 in methanol or ethanol as a solvent for 3˜15 hours at 0˜150°C. to obtain a Salen compound; synthesis of Salen-M-X or Salen-M: reacting the Salen compound with a M-containing compound to obtain the Salen-M or reacting a M-X compound with the Salen compound to obtain the Salen-M-X compound; and synthesis of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer: with anhydrous toluene and triethylamine (TEA) as solvent (volume ratio=3˜4:1), CuI and tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) as catalyst, a mixture solution of alkynyl benzene A and Salen-M-X or Salen-M (mole ratio=1˜4:1) is stirred under argon for 60˜90 hours at 25˜100° C., affording the metal-conjugated microporous polymer, wherein the mole ratio of CuI and alkynyl benzene A is 1:5˜10 and, the mole ratio of tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and alkynyl benzene A is 1:20˜30, M is Co, Cr, Zn, or Cu, and alkynyl benzene A is 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene, 1,4-diethynylbenzene or tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein: the amount of anhydrous toluene required by each 1 mmol Salen-M-X , or Salen-M is 30˜50 ml.
 7. A method for preparing the metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1, wherein the metal-conjugated microporous polymer has a chemical structure of CMP-5-1, CMP-5-2, CMP-5-3 as shown in claim 1, and the method comprises: 1) synthesis of Salen: stirring a mixture solution of R1-substituted salicylaldehyde and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane with a mole ratio of 1:1˜30 in methanol or ethanol as a solvent for 1˜15 hours at 0˜150°C. to obtain a Salen compound: 2) synthesis of a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP): with anhydrous toluene and triethylamine (TEA) as solvent (volume ratio=3˜4:1), tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and CuI as catalyst, a mixture solution of alkynyl benzene A and Salen (mole ratio=1:1˜5) is stirred under argon for 60˜90 hours at 20˜150° C., affording the CMP, wherein, the mole ratio of CuI and alkynyl benzene A is 1:10˜40, and the mole ratio of or tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and alkynyl benzene A is 1:12˜50; 3) synthesis of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer: with anhydrous toluene as a solvent, a mixture solution of an aluminum compound and CMP (mass ratio=1:1˜6) is stirred for 8˜15 hours at 90˜130° C., affording the metal aluminum-conjugated microporous polymer, wherein, the aluminum compound is AlCl₃, AlBr₃, AlEt₃, Al(OMe)₃, Al(OMe)₃, or Al(OCH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH)₂Cl)₃, wherein alkynyl benzene A is 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene, 1,4-diethynylbenzene or tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)methane.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein: the mole ratio of alkynyl benzene A and Salen in step 1) is 1:1˜3; the mole ratio of tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) or CuI and 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene in step 1) is 1:12˜28, and 1:10˜25 respectively; the mass ratio of aluminum compound and CMP in step 2) is 1:1˜2.5.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein: the amount of anhydrous toluene required by each 1 mmol Salen in step 1) is 20˜25 ml; and the amount of anhydrous toluene required by each 1 g CMP in step 2) is 15˜20 ml.
 10. A method of making a cyclic carbonate comprising coupling CO₂ and an epoxide in the presence of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer of claim 1 as a catalyst at 0˜180° C. and 0.1˜8.0 MPa CO₂ pressure.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein: general procedure for the catalytic reaction of CO₂ and epoxides at ambient pressure and temperature: in the presence of an amine compound, a mixture solution of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer, and the epoxide (mass ratio=1:10˜50) is stirred for 12˜72 hours at ambient pressure and temperature, affording the corresponding cyclic carbonate, wherein, the mole ratio of the amine compound and epoxide is 1:10˜100, and M is not Al.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein: general procedure for the catalytic reaction of CO₂ and epoxide at a wide range of temperature and pressure: in the presence of a amine compound, a mixture solution of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer and the epoxide (mass ratio=1:10˜50) is stirred for 1˜6 hours at 50˜160° C. and 2˜8 MPa CO₂ pressure, affording the corresponding cyclic carbonate, wherein, the mole ratio of the amine compound and epoxide is 1:10˜100, and M is not Al.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein: M is Al, general procedure to catalyze reaction of CO₂ and the epoxide: in the presence of an amine compound, a mixture solution of the metal-conjugated microporous polymer and epoxide (mass ratio=1:1˜25) is stirred for 3˜80 hours at 0˜160° C., affording the corresponding cyclic carbonate, wherein, the mole ratio of the amine compound and epoxide is 1:5˜1000.
 14. The method claim 13, wherein, the mole ratio of the amine compound and epoxide is 1:900.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence of an amine compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts, triethylamine (TEA), dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and mixtures thereof.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the epoxide is selected from the group consisting of propylene oxide, epichlorohydrin, 2-ethyloxirane, 2-butyloxirane, 2-phenyloxirane, and mixtures thereof. 